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Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Bake

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A warm, gooey, and comforting cheesy broccoli bake that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This dish combines tender broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen; fresh preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm; can substitute 2% or dairy-free milk)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch 4 cups of broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but not mushy. Drain well. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in 2 cups warm whole milk a little at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. Mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Place broccoli in the prepared baking dish and pour cheese sauce evenly over it. Gently toss to coat all florets.
  7. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and cheese sauce is bubbly. Tent loosely with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Blanch broccoli to avoid sogginess. Warm milk before adding to sauce to prevent lumps. Use panko breadcrumbs tossed in butter or olive oil for a crispy topping. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast. Variations include adding cooked diced chicken or sausage for protein, swapping broccoli with cauliflower, or using gluten-free ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy broccoli bake, comfort food, broccoli casserole, easy dinner, cheesy vegetable bake, family-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/ultimate-cheesy-broccoli-bake-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/